Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-06-02

Howard's "Life of Henry Ward Beecher''
has been issued, and it fully meets the expec-
tation which awaited it. It is a remarkably
bright and interesting book, coming as il
does, from one of the most accomplished OF
journalists, and concerning as it does, one OF
| the brightest of men.
One of its most remarkable features is that
it gives us an insight into Mr.. Beecher's own
mind and heart, such as nothing but the breath
ing of his inmost nature to his most trusted
and lifelong friends could fit an author to
present. With the family of the venerable
Deacon Howard, (the authors father who
brought Mr.. Beecher to Brooklyn, and who
stood by him as brother until his death, he
kept up his daily intercourse or when absent,
voluminous correspondence. In all this he
breathed into their sympathetic natures his
inmost feelings, whether of trial or triumph,
lofty aspiration or great endeavor, and such
letters it is hardly likely can be found else
where on the earth. They contribute i'm
mensely to the interest and value of this book
land this only,) picturing the great divine as
no other man can picture him to-day. These
sketches written in many moods, with the
utmost frankness and freedom, and in many
lands, reveal this foremost American citizen
in new and unexpected lights.
Other Lives of Beecher may give a concep-
ton of him as seen by an outsider-this, gives
us the inner thought and character of the
man.
Then again this book has been prepared as
the labor of loving heart. 1t is not the
work of mere biographer. We quote from
the authors preface "He was great in the
pulpit and grand on the platform; but in the
calm restfulness of private life he was sweet
and helpful, balm to wounded spirits, a
cheer to the respondent. a sharer in the good
or i'll fortune of his friends"
"That he had enemies, yes; that he had
enmities, no. His enemies have had their
day, and it is time now for his friends to
speak. As one of his friends, to whom he
showed affection when boy, whom he coun-
selled wisely in youth, whom he aided in
manhood, for whom he ever had sentiments
of regard and to whom he wrote concerning
the inner workings of his head and heart,
find great satisfaction in doing what little
can to perpetuate the name and continue the
fame of the wisest, heartiest, simplest, great
est man ever knew"
The author of this book has also been able
from his intimate knowledge of Mr.. Beech
er's affairs to give us most interesting facts
concerning his enormous income for forty
years; also of his expenses, gifts, library, art
treasurers, paintings, precious stones, opin-
ions of distinguished men, ETC., etc.; matters
not likely to be found in any other life that
may be written.
This is in truth unique book; most ably
prepared and full of interest from first to
finale. 1t contains perfect portrait in steel
and many other beautiful illustrations, and
in Typography, paper, and binding is su-
perior book, well worthy Of an immense cir
culation.
Had Mr.. Beecher attempted an autobiog-
raphy he could not with premeditation, have
put so much of his real nature into it as is
given so spontaneously in this volume.